NFL Draft '14: Arizona Cardinals six-round mock

We should be discussing the Arizona Cardinals and who they took with the 20th pick in the NFL Draft. Unfortunately the league decided to postpone the event, so instead you're getting another six-round Arizona Cardinals mock draft.

The Cardinals own picks in each of the first six rounds of the draft, and here's what general manager Steve Keim's draft haul could look like when it's all said and done.

Round 1 (20th overall) - Ryan Shazier, LB, Ohio State

He may not be the pure edge rusher that some fans covet for the Cardinals, but the reality is he would be a weapon for Todd Bowles' defense.

Shazier has elite traits in coverage, and could definitely cover tight ends in 2014 (a real weakness in 2013). He can be moved around in the linebacking corps from outside, to inside, strong side to weak side, and offer a different look at all spots.

Shazier has shown the ability to put his hand in the dirt and take on the edge, so it's not that HE CAN'T, it is just that he was not asked to it outside of a handful of times per game.

Round 2 (52nd overall) - A.J. McCarron, QB, Alabama

The Cardinals could be "sweet" on McCarron, as has been talked about on this site, and while he isn't exactly what Bruce Arians wants at quarterback from a vertical passer standpoint, he is maybe the smartest quarterback in this draft. The former Crimson Tide signal caller has excellent accuracy and knowledge of running a pro-style offense.

If the Cardinals really love McCarron, then maybe he is going to be the quarterback they hitch their wagon to.

Round 3 (84th overall) - Kareem Martin, DE, North Carolina

The Cardinals want to get younger, longer and more athletic on the defensive line, and Martin fits the bill in all three categories.

He'll be able to sit, learn and grow (and he's got room to add good weight) and get work on passing downs while getting ready to take over for Darnell Dockett.

Round 4 (120th overall) - Craig Loston, S, LSU

Just a shade under 6-1, Loston is a smooth, linear athlete who has the frame and athleticism to be a nice addition to the Cardinals secondary.

He offers good cover ability in man schemes, and understands coverages and can move down into the slot when needed.

Loston isn't overly physical, and is not quite the enforcer or thumper that teams want in the strong safety position, but that seems to be being phased out by a lot of NFL teams.

Loston is a guy who has excelled in the SEC for a number of years, but also is a deft contributor on special teams and will make his mark in the NFL.

Round 5 (160th overall) - Crockett Gillmore, TE, Colorado State

Gillmore is the one tight end prospect that is not getting the love he deserves. The Colorado State product has shown during the entire draft process that he is indeed an inline NFL tight end.

He irritated Alabama OLB Adrian Hubbard to no end at the Senior Bowl, and then put up great numbers to show that he is a better athlete than given credit for at the combine.

Gillmore has good hands and looks like the type of tight end that can succeed in the league.

Round 6 (196th overall) - Isaiah Crowell, RB, Alabama State

The Cardinals are not against taking players with off-the-field problems -- see Tyrann Mathieu in '13. They are interested in finding themselves a between-the-tackles runner who can take Rashard Mendenhall's carries and Crowell may be the most talented back in this draft.

If Crowell had kept his nose clean at Georgia, he would be talked about as a late-round one, early day-two pick. But he ran into some problems that will affect his stock. His fall could be the Cardinals' gain.

About the Author

Seth Cox/TSHQ.co
Husband, father, Editor in Chief and owner of TSHQ.co and roving draft analyst wherever people will have me. Nights are spent watching college kids in pads, taking notes and talking on Twitter.